Delonghi Dinamica Review - Best Super-Automatic Machine?

Love espressos but dread the hassle of pulling the perfect shot?

The DeLonghi Dinamica could be a game-changer. It's a bean-to-cup machine that aims to do all the heavy lifting for you.

I know an espresso machine is a big investment.

That's where I come in. I've spent years road-testing various espresso machines.

You can trust my review to give you the nitty-gritty, no-nonsense scoop on whether the Dinamica lives up to the hype.

Will it make your espresso dreams come true? Let's dive in and find out.

Delonghi Dinamica Review – My Ratings & Top Features

Overall, I would rate the DeLonghi Dinamica a 4.5 out of 5 for its seamless blend of quality, variety, and user-friendliness.

It offers a great range of coffee options without overwhelming you with complex settings. Here's why:

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Who Should Buy The Delonghi Dinamica?

The Delonghi Dinamica is an excellent machine for coffee lovers who crave quality espresso but don't want to break the bank or their brains learning the ropes.

It's user-friendly, making it a solid pick for beginners, yet offers enough customization to satisfy more experienced brewers.

The Dinamica is especially ideal for those who love having a range of coffee options at their fingertips but aren't quite ready for the steep learning curve of more professional setups.

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Why I Decided To Review The Delonghi Dinamica

There are two big reasons why I decided to check this machine out.

First, it's a super-automatic espresso machine, a real lifesaver for those hectic days when I can't spare a minute for manual brewing.

Second, I have friends and family members who love a diverse range of coffee drinks but are just not into learning the nitty-gritty of espresso machines.

I wanted to have an excellent fully automatic espresso machine that would do the heavy lifting for them.

Here’s how I did my Delonghi Dinamica review.

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What’s It Like To Live With The Delonghi Dinamica

Imagine skipping the morning hustle of getting to your local coffee shop, waiting in line, and finally, getting that much-needed caffeine hit.

Now, picture having that same high-quality experience but right in the comfort of your kitchen.

That's what it's like to live with the DeLonghi Dinamica.

It brings the coffee shops to you, serving up top-notch espresso and other coffee favorites without you ever having to step out the door.

Let's see how this super-automatic coffee machine performs.

Important BHQ Note: There are two Delonghi Dinamica models currently available: the ECAM35020B and the ECAM35075SI. I am currently reviewing the ECAM35075SI, which comes with an automatic milk frother. The ECAM35020B model comes with a manual steam wand.

What’s In The Box?

Getting the DeLonghi Dinamica delivered was a breeze. The box showed up in mint condition, so you know they're not playing games with shipping.

Now, when you pop that box open, here's the good stuff you'll find:

• The Dinamica machine
• A measuring scoop
• Removable water spout
• Cleaning brush
• Descaling solution
• Ice cube tray (coffee bean-shaped)
• Total hardness test
• Carbon active water filter
• Instruction Manual & Quick Start Guide

I feel like DeLonghi has really thought of everything. The carbon-active water filter keeps your coffee tasting crisp and your machine free from gunk.

That descaler and cleaning brush make sure cleaning isn't a day-long event.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

After setting things up, I jumped right in. Let’s get one thing straight: the Dinamica isn't a semi-automatic espresso machine.

You’re not doing the grinding, tamping, or timing. This machine takes care of most of that for you, which is pretty awesome.

The grinding process? Super smooth. Just toss in your fresh coffee beans, and the built-in grinder does the rest. You can pick between a single or double shot.

The DeLonghi Dinamica has a stainless steel burr grinder with 13 settings. It might not sound like much if you’re used to machines with tons of options, but it’s more than enough here.

Now, for the best part: pulling that first shot. The espresso turned out great - rich flavor with a nice layer of crema on top. It's the kind of shot that makes you stop and enjoy the moment.

Some might say you won’t get the same extraction as a traditional machine, but who cares? You don’t need to be a grind settings expert. The Dinamica's finer settings deliver, and the grinder is quiet and efficient.

First Time Frothing Milk

If you've ever tried to steam milk manually, you know it's an art.

However, the DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine takes the guesswork out of it with its LatteCrema system.

This super-automatic espresso machine has an integrated milk carafe, so forget about messing with tubes and extra containers - just pop it off and store it in the fridge when you're done.

Here's the cool part: You get to pick your milk texture, from "bubble bath" thick to "just right" medium to "barely there" thin.

I usually go for the medium, especially when making a cappuccino or latte macchiato.

You won't pull off latte art or a real flat white with this machine, but it gets the job done, and the steamed milk comes out nice and hot.

So, if you dread the frothing part, this machine is like your friendly neighborhood barista—doing all the hard steaming milk work for you.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Coffee Experience?

With the DeLonghi Dinamica, you have some control over your coffee, but it's not fully customizable.

You can tweak the coffee strength, which is great if you like a strong cup.

You can also set your brewing temperature - think "warm, hot, or really hot," but it doesn't get super specific.

The machine comes with an automatic milk frother, but you still have some input in how you froth the milk.

You can easily make an espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato, but the focus here is on consistency.

So, if you want your coffee to taste the same every time, the Dinamica is perfect. But if you like experimenting with extraction times or precise temperature settings, this machine might not be your best bet.

Related Article - Best Espresso Machines Under $5000

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

The DeLonghi Dinamica handles different roasts better than any drip coffee machine.

Notice I compared it to a drip coffee maker, not other espresso machines? That's because it's pretty forgiving with the type of coffee you use.

I've tested it with everything from fancy beans to that old pre-ground coffee sitting in the back of my pantry.

For the best flavor, fresh beans are the way to go. A medium roast, like something from Stumptown, works wonders with this machine.

The built-in conical burr grinder does a great job turning those fresh beans into a tasty espresso.

Got pre-ground coffee? No worries. The Dinamica has a ground coffee bypass, which is common in super-automatic machines.

It's built into the bean hopper, perfect for those times you want a quick decaf. 

Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine

The DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine, and especially its upgraded sibling, the Dinamica Plus, sport this sleek stainless steel exterior that screams quality.

It fits in like an unassuming yet stylish kitchen accessory. It's also a surprisingly compact machine.

Dimension-wise, it's not going to hog your entire countertop. You could easily park it next to a toaster or a blender, and they'd all live happily together.

Is it heavy?

Well, it's not a featherweight, but it's manageable at 24.4 lbs. You won't need to do any heavy lifting exercises before moving it around.

On top of that, it doesn't have that cheap plastic look that plagues most machines in the budget range.

Let's be real; some of those expensive machines don't even look half as good as this one.

So, in terms of look, feel, and size, the Dinamica nails it. It's a chic little workhorse that doesn't just make great coffee; it makes your kitchen look good while doing it.

What Drinks Can It Make?

The DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine can make 17 different espresso drinks, which is quite a long list compared to other machines.

Here are the specialty drinks you can make:

• Espresso
• Coffee
• Doppio+
• Ristretto
• Long
• Over Ice (iced coffee)
• Cappuccino
• Cappuccino+
• CappMix
• Latte Macchiato
• Caffelatte
• Hot Milk
• Flat White
• Hot Water
• Espresso Macchiato
• Double Espresso
• Double Shot Ristretto
• Double Shot Espresso Lungo

Now, I need to talk about the iced coffee feature because, let's face it, we all love a good iced coffee.

What sets this machine apart is the "TrueBrew Over Ice'' function. No watery nonsense here; this thing delivers full-bodied iced coffee that's legit perfect.

This isn't just regular iced coffee; it's the perfect iced coffee that makes you think you ordered it from a coffee shop.

That's the beauty of it; you're making café-level iced coffees from the comfort of your kitchen.

It's not just about the taste; it's about options, too. Do you want it over ice? You got it.

Prefer a double shot to make it an iced doppio? The Dinamica is there. Although it's no cold brew, the machine brew ice coffee function works well.

It doesn't stop there. If you fancy a drip-style coffee, the coffee option is there for you. I find that the coffee brewed was fairly standard.

Want some hot chocolate or tea? The Dinama got you covered.

While it won’t brew them for you, you can use the hot milk and hot water options to make yourself one.

 

How Easy Is It To Use?

Like most super-automatic coffee machines, the DeLonghi Dinamica is really easy to use. If you’re new to espresso machines, this one won’t overwhelm you.

Just press a button to make an espresso, lungo, cappuccino, coffee, hot milk, or latte macchiato.

Programming it for different coffee styles is simple, too. You can easily adjust the coffee quantity, aroma, and milk froth with the straightforward controls.

While it doesn’t have the Coffee Link App like the fancier Dinamica Plus, you won’t miss it. The control panel is super intuitive. Even if you’ve never used an espresso machine before, you’ll catch on quickly.

A great feature? It has an energy-saving mode that’s perfect for forgetful folks like me.

If you forget to turn it off, no worries - it’ll shut down on its own after a while. This is super handy for those busy mornings when you're rushing around!

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

The single boiler system in this machine is a speed demon - it only takes about 40 seconds to heat up. You barely have time to pick out your favorite mug!

Once you're heated up, making an espresso is a breeze. From the moment you press that button, it's like a minute tops before you're sipping the perfect cup.

Cappuccinos and latte macchiatos might take a smidge longer because of the milk frothing step, but we're talking maybe two or three extra minutes.

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

Yes, the DeLonghi Dinamica coffee maker does come with a water filtration system. That's a solid win for coffee quality right there.

When making coffee, water is half the equation, so starting with a filtered water reservoir gives you a bit of an edge.

You can slide that water filter right into the water tank, and you're one step closer to the perfect cup.

It's a small detail, but those are the kinds of things that make a difference when you're chasing that coffee shop-level espresso at home.[1]

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

Cleaning the DeLonghi Dinamica is pretty straightforward. It has a removable drip tray and coffee grounds container, both easy to clean - and the drip tray is dishwasher-safe, which makes it even easier!

The Dinamica prompts you when it's time to descale. All you have to do is get some descaling solution, follow the simple steps, and you're good to go.[2]

One thing to note: the machine does an auto-rinse every time you turn it on or off, squirting a bit of hot water out of the spouts. It might seem annoying at first, but it’s actually cleaning and heating the machine’s internals to keep everything running smoothly.

 Related Article - Nuova Simonelli Appia Review

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My Favorite Parts About The Delonghi Dinamica

• Morning Daily Routine Savior: The fast heat-up time is a godsend for my morning routine. I'm out the door quicker, and the coffee is just as good as any I'd wait longer.
  
• No More Coffee Shop Regret: I can make better-tasting and more varied espresso drinks, even iced coffee, right at home, saving money and time.
  
• Easily Shared with Others: Its user-friendly nature isn't just for me; it's a hit when I have guests over. I've had friends and family marvel at how easy it is to make a professional cup of coffee.
  
• Quiet Operation: Unlike some other super-automatic espresso machines that sound like a freight train, the Dinamica is pleasantly quiet. This is great, especially when others in the house are still sleeping.
  
• Consistent Milk Froth: The milk froth is consistent, and the temperature is spot-on, making every cappuccino or latte a treat.

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My Least Favorite Parts 

• No Coffee Link App: Unlike the Dinamica Plus, this model doesn't support app integration. While the machine's interface is user-friendly, I do miss the convenience of customizing my brew from my smartphone.
  
• Limited Grinder Settings: The machine's grinder has 13 settings, which you'd think would be plenty. However, if you're a coffee aficionado who enjoys experimenting with grind size, it feels somewhat limiting.

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Delonghi Dinamica Vs Similar Machines

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus

The DeLonghi Dinamica and Dinamica Plus are like siblings with a few differences that set them apart.

The Plus model boasts a Coffee Link App, allowing you to customize your brews from your smartphone—something the basic Dinamica doesn't offer.[3]

Both have superb milk frothing systems, but the Plus might have a slight edge in espresso quality.

Price-wise, the Dinamica Plus is more expensive, so if the app and subtle improvements aren't crucial for you, the standard Dinamica could save you some cash.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Magnifica Evo

The Dinamica and Magnifica Evo are both from DeLonghi, but they target different audiences.

The Dinamica focuses on quick and versatile coffee-making with its 17 drink options, while the Magnifica Evo leans more towards manual customization.

Feature-wise, the Dinamica is ahead with its single-touch functions.

However, the Magnifica Evo comes at a lower price point, making it a good entry-level option for espresso enthusiasts who don't mind getting hands-on.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Breville Barista Touch

When it comes to sophistication, the Breville Barista Touch gives the Dinamica a run for its money.

It has a touchscreen interface and more programmability, from grind size to brew strength and milk texture.

When it comes to design, the Barista Touch exudes a professional vibe with its stainless steel finish.

Still, all these bells and whistles come at a cost—the Barista Touch is generally pricier than the Dinamica.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Philips 3200 LatteGo

Phillips 3200 LatteGo and the Dinamica both offer a range of drinks but differ in execution.

The LatteGo has fewer customization options but excels in ease of use and quick cleaning, thanks to its innovative milk system.

The design is more compact but lacks the premium feel of the Dinamica's stainless steel exterior.

If budget is a concern, the 3200 LatteGo typically comes in cheaper than the Dinamica.

DeLonghi Dinamica vs Jura E8

The Jura E8 is a powerhouse for people who want nothing short of barista-quality coffee.

It offers advanced features like PEP (Pulse Extraction Process) for optimal espresso extraction.

It's also equipped with smart water filtration and more programmability options than the Dinamica.

However, this luxury comes at a price, making it one of the more expensive machines in the lineup.

If you're not on a budget and want the crème de la crème of coffee machines, the Jura E8 might be your pick.

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FAQs

Do you need to use filters in Delonghi Dinamica coffee machines?

No, you don't absolutely need to, but the Dinamica does come with a water filter. Using it can improve the taste of your coffee and extend the machine's lifespan by reducing limescale buildup.

How long should a DeLonghi Dinamica last?

With proper maintenance and cleaning, a DeLonghi Dinamica should last you more than 5 years. The durability often depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it.

Why are DeLonghi coffee machines so expensive?

DeLonghi machines often come with a higher price tag due to their quality, durability, and the array of features they offer. You're paying for advanced technology and high-quality brewing capabilities, especially for the more expensive models.

Is Breville or DeLonghi better?

It's hard to say definitively whether Breville or DeLonghi is better. Breville is often praised for its manual controls and high-quality espresso, while DeLonghi is loved for its automatic features and versatility. It comes down to what you're looking for in a machine.

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Is The DeLonghi Dinamica Worth Your Money?

I'd say a resounding yes: the DeLonghi Dinamica is worth the money, especially if you value quality and convenience.

This machine is perfect for coffee lovers who want a variety of drinks at the touch of a button, without the fuss of manual controls.

Its intuitive design makes it great for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.

However, if you're the type of home brew enthusiast who wants more hands-on control and doesn't mind a steeper learning curve, you might find the Breville Barista Touch more to your liking.

Resources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814609004725
2. https://coffeelounge.delonghi.com/aus/discover/maintaining-your-coffee-machine-for-the-best-brew/
3. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/delonghi-coffee-link/id1045591728